Helix Property Advisors, on behalf of a pension fund client and advised by FHP Property Consultants, has secured two new lettings, totalling 13,000 sq ft (1,208 sq m), with a further 4,000 sq ft (371 sq m) under offer at Mercury Place, demonstrating the continued demand for high-quality office space in central Leicester.
Aon Benfield, The global insurance company currently based on Vaughan Way in Leicester, is relocating its regional office to Mercury Place, taking 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) on the third floor, on a 10-year lease at an annual rent of £147,397.50 (inclusive of car parking). This reflects an office rent of £13.50 per sq ft/£1.25 per sq m.
Nedis UK are also relocating to Mercury Place, taking 3,000 sq ft (279 sq m) of un-refurbished, ground-floor office space on a five-year lease at an annual rent of £25,000 (£8.50 per sq ft/£0.78 per sq m).
The Leicester Mercury building, now rebranded as Mercury Place, is one of the most prominent and iconic buildings within the Leicester City Centre, located in close proximity to Leicester Train Station.
John Proctor, Director of FHP Property Consultants, comments: “The dramatic growth of the internet and digitally based media world undermined the strength of the regional offices, leading to rationalisation within this sector of the market and the potential uncertain future for the Leicester Mercury building. But the continued investment in the facility and the rebranding of the scheme as Mercury Place has created high-quality offices in the centre of Leicester which are yielding success.
“In addition to these two lettings, we also have a further 4,000 sq ft (372 sq m) under offer to a major company which we hope to be able to announce soon.”
Aon Benfield and Nedis Uk join existing tenants Charles Stanley and the Leicester Mercury and Daily Mail Group IT operations, which still occupy the 65,000 sq ft (6,040 sq m) office building. There is 18,000 sq ft (1,673 sq m) of high-quality office space available on the third floor.
FHP Property Consultants is letting agent for Mercury Place. CBRE advised Aon Benfield and Nedis UK was self-represented.
